Some indigenous communities and experienced herbalists/alchemists make use of the dried leaves and bark in decoctions (Note: These parts of the plant are known to be toxic due to small amounts of hydrocyandic acid if not prepared correctly. Do not attempt unless you are an experienced herbalist or directly working with one.)

Botanical ID (Wilson, et al. 2016):

A woody perennial deciduous shrub native to both Turtle Island (So-called North America) and Europe

Hardy to Zone 3, but has also been found up to Zone 2

Root systems grow in mats and are shallow growing.

Leaves are compound with 5-9 leaflets.

Flowers are numerous, white to cream-colored, and mature on umbels from the apex of the plant. Generally wind pollinated.

Fruits are black-purple, ripening upon umbels in causing them to droop (a sign they are soon ready for harvest!)

Flowers and berries of S. nigra have a more pronounced flavor and aroma, and are sweeter and bigger than those of S. canadensis

Elder can grow in fairly moist conditions, and prefers a very rich soil with partial shade.

Elderberry can be grown from seed or cuttings from mature plants. Seeds should be stratified to mimic outdoor conditions and fluctuating temperatures.

Seeds sown in fall should germinate in the next spring.

Cuttings can be challenging to achieve success with.They should be at least 10-12" in length and have two or more nodes. Plant cuttings in good soil in pots and keep moist. Wait until a good root system has developed to transplant.

Transplants should be spaced at least 6' apart. Adding compost to each hole will be supportive against transplant shock. Mulch heavily to deter weed growth while transplants mature. Consider adding a fence or plant guards to keep deer away, as they love to nibble back new growth each year.

Establishing productive groves may take 4-5 seasons after transplanting.

Harvest umbels for flowers in mid-late July, leaving a good portion for fruit development. Fruit may be harvested in mid-late August when they are deep purple.

Take care to remove loose stems and leaves from harvested roots and flowers.

Elderberry in flower (Photo: The Farm Between)

Commercial Availability:

Dried berries are widely available in commerce, and are most commonly derived from S. nigra species.

Fresh frozen berries are generally available through local/regional purveyors

Taste & Energetics(Henningsen, 2018):

Taste: Sweet, acrid (flower); sweet, acrid, sour (berry)

Energetics: Cool + dry (flower); neutral (berry)

Herbal Actions(Henningsen, 2018) :

Diaphoretic (especially flower)

Antiviral

Aromatic

Anti-inflammatory (especially berry)

Immunostimulant (berry)

Anticatarral

Expectorant

Diuretic (flower)

Mild Laxative

Nutritive

Alterative

Nervine

Specific Indications (Henningsen, 2018):

Flu like symptoms with fever (NOTE: Not indicated for COVID-19, see safety notes below). May be used as a preventative for flus and colds

Elderberry has been thought of as a traditional kitchen remedy for colds and flu prevention for many generations. In fact, we're noticing a reemergence of elderberry being used in this way, and it's certainly true that there is an increasing amount of elder derived products in the health and wellness marketplace. That said, a recent debate has come to light regarding the potential for elderberry to incite cytokine storms, or injurious hyperinflammation by the immune system, in the context of COVID-19 and immunocompromised individuals. While this has not clinically been seen in practice, there are a lot of nuances to this discussion, many of which we feel are well summed up by this blog post by Clinical Herbalist Larken Bunce: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11CukK_Mnenwi_hzj6p-o0QO3uEDf7ADIvhFHFwm7csU/edit.

As with all herbal approaches, there is no "one size fits all", which means we need to be discerning about what plants we apply to whom and when. And as for COVID-19, if you are symptomatic call your doctor and do not attempt to self-treat!

Fresh elderberries for syrup (Photo: Sarah Shaw)

Preparations + Dose (Henningsen, 2018):

Standard Infusion of Dried Flowers: 4-8 oz served hot, drink up to 3x daily for fevers

Decoction of Dried Berries

Tincture: Dried flowers (1:5, 60% alcohol) 1-3ml, 2-4x daily

Syrup (Fresh, Frozen or Dried Berries): 1-2 tsp daily for immune maintenance. Up to 1-2 tsp every 3-4 hours for acute symptoms (again, please see above for applicability of use).

Topical Use: Freshly wilted or dried flowers and leaves can be infused in oil for salves to soften the skin (Buhner, 2006).

*Note: The information shared here is meant for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Please consult your physician or a trained herbalist before working with herbs, especially if you currently take medications. If you would like to share this information in your own publications, please credit our work accordingly.